Crossbow having improved barrel and arrow

ABSTRACT

An improved arrow has an arrow shaft having a first diameter, a first end defining a tip and a second end defining an area that interacts with the string of a crossbow. A first ring is formed proximate the first end of the arrow shaft and has a second diameter and a first length. A second ring is formed proximate the second end of the arrow shaft and has a third diameter and a second length. In various embodiments, the second and third diameters are larger than the first diameter of the arrow shaft and may be equal. The first and second rings function to allow the arrow to be shot from a crossbow having a barrel to reduce the amount of friction that exists between the arrow and the barrel walls and to reduce the amount of noise generated as the arrow traverses and exits the barrel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/676,614, filed Apr. 1, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to crossbows and related arrows. More particularly, the present invention relates to a crossbow having a barrel and improved arrows for use in a crossbow having a barrel.

Crossbows have an extensive history dating back to medieval times, although modern crossbows have evolved significantly from the crossbows used centuries ago. Modern crossbows generally employ either a track type or trackless design for launching an arrow. In a track type crossbow design, the arrow rests in a track located on the stock of the crossbow in the fully-drawn, cocked position. The arrow is launched from the crossbow by being pushed down the track, with the bowstring and the arrow both maintaining intimate contact with the track until the arrow has cleared the bow. Arrows used in this type of crossbow are usually blunt at the rear end of the arrow. The bowstring that propels the arrow simply pushes against the blunt end of the arrow to propel the arrow from the crossbow.

In the trackless type crossbow design, the arrow is supported on an arrow rest towards the front of the arrow shaft and the rear of the arrow is nocked to the bowstring in the same manner as is used in conventional bows.

Modern crossbows, however, whether of the track or trackless variety, often produce considerable noise when fired, which may be unpleasant in a hunting application, among others. Additionally, there are numerous adverse effects on arrow flight that can result from a loud, rattling arrow release. The designs disclosed herein seek to address many of the concerns that arise with modern track and trackless crossbows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, an archery arrow comprises: (1) an elongated shaft that has a first end, an opposite second end, and a first diameter; (2) a tip coupled to the first end; and (3) one or more fletching coupled to the shaft. The arrow has a first shaft portion coupled to the shaft proximate the shaft first end. The first shaft portion comprises a second diameter and a first length. The arrow also has a second shaft portion coupled to the shaft proximate the shaft second end. The second shaft portion comprises a third diameter and a second length. In various embodiments, the second diameter and the third diameter are equal to each other and are larger than the first diameter.

In various embodiments, an arrow comprises an elongated shaft having a first end, an opposite second end, and a diameter. The arrow has a first shaft portion coupled to the shaft proximate the shaft first end. The first shaft portion comprises a first diameter. The arrow also has a second shaft portion coupled to the shaft proximate the shaft second end. The second shaft portion comprises a second diameter. The first diameter and the second diameter are larger than the diameter of the elongated shaft. In various embodiments, the first shaft portion comprises a first ring and the shaft second portion comprises a second ring. In some embodiments, the first and second rings may be formed from a variety of materials such as (1) a metal; (2) ceramics; (3) polymers; (4) polytetrafluoroethylene; (5) a metal alloy; (6) a ceramic alloy; (7) nylon; or (8) acetyl resins. The first and second rings may be secured onto the elongated shaft by a securing means such as: (1) a press-fit; (2) an adhesive; (3) a pin; (4) a rivet; (5) a screw; or (6) a friction stir welding. In various embodiments the first diameter and the second diameter are substantially equal in size.

In various embodiments, a crossbow and an arrow for use in the crossbow comprises a body with a barrel coupled thereto. The barrel has a first end and an opposite second end, an axis that extends between the first end and the second end, and an elongated bore that passes transverse to the axis. The crossbow further comprises: (1) first and second limbs coupled to the barrel proximate to the first end; and (2) a bow string that passes through the elongated bore and that has a first end that couples to the first limb, and a second end that couples to the second limb. The arrow comprises an elongated shaft having a first end, an opposite second end, and a diameter. The arrow has a first shaft portion coupled to the elongated shaft proximate the shaft first end. The first shaft portion comprises a first diameter. The arrow also has a second shaft portion coupled to the shaft proximate the shaft second end. The second shaft portion has a second diameter. The first diameter and the second diameter are larger than the diameter of the elongated shaft. When the arrow is loaded in the barrel, the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion raise the elongated shaft off of a surface of the barrel to minimize the amount of friction between the elongated shaft and the barrel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method for utilizing a crossbow having a barrel are described below. In the course of this description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a crossbow having a barrel;

FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the crossbow of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a front plan view of an embodiment of the crossbow of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a partial front plan view of an embodiment of the crossbow of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the barrel of the crossbow of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side plan view of an embodiment of an arrow for use in the crossbow of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front plan view of an alternate embodiment of the crossbow of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the crossbow of FIG. 1 having an arrow in the cocked position;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the crossbow of FIG. 7A showing the arrow partially ejected from the barrel just after the crossbow is fired;

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the crossbow of FIG. 7A with the majority of the arrow ejected from the barrel shortly after the crossbow is fired;

FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view of the crossbow of FIG. 7A with the arrow fully ejected from the barrel;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the crossbow of FIG. 1 firing an arrow;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the crossbow of FIG. 1 firing a sabot slug;

FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of a prior art crossbow;

FIG. 10B is a bottom perspective view of the prior art crossbow of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a bottom perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the crossbow of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 11B is a top perspective view of the alternate embodiment of the crossbow of FIG. 11A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Overview

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a crossbow 10 having a body 12, a stock 20, and a bow assembly 30 shown in illustrated in an un-cocked state. The crossbow 10 may be constructed from any suitable material, such as wood, plastics, polymers, metals, metal alloys, carbon fiber, or a combination thereof. The body 12 and the stock 20 may be made as one piece or may be assembled as separate components. The body 12 comprises a barrel 18 having a first end 14 and an opposite second end 16. The barrel second end 16 is coupled to the stock 20 and the barrel first end 14 is coupled to the bow assembly 30.

Referring to FIG. 5, an improved arrow has an arrow shaft having a first diameter, a first end defining a tip and a second end defining an area that interacts with the string of a crossbow. One or more fletching may be coupled to the arrow shaft proximate the second end of the arrow shaft. A first ring is formed proximate the first end of the arrow shaft. The first ring has a second diameter and a first length. A second ring is formed proximate the second end of the arrow shaft. The second ring has a third diameter and a second length. In various embodiments, the second and third diameters are larger than the first diameter of the arrow shaft. In some embodiments, the second diameter and the third diameter are equal. The first and second rings function to allow the arrow to be shot from a crossbow having a barrel. In various embodiments, the design of the first and second rings reduce the amount of friction that exists between the arrow and the barrel walls and also reduces the amount of noise generated as the arrow traverses and exits the barrel.

Body

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the body 12 is formed from a barrel 18 having a first end 14 that couples to the bow assembly 30 and an opposite second end 16 that couples to the stock 20. In various embodiments, the barrel comprises an elongated circular bore (e.g., a hole) 22 that extends from the barrel first end 14 to the barrel second end 16 about a barrel central axis 23, and a generally rectangular bore (e.g., a hole) 24 that extends from the barrel first end 14 to the barrel second end 16 and that is concentric with the elongated bore 22. A trigger cavity 31 is formed through the barrel 18 proximate to the barrel second end 16 transverse to the elongated central bore 22 and the generally rectangular bore 24 such that the trigger cavity 31 intersects the central bore 22 and the rectangular bore 24. The trigger cavity 31 is configured to receive the mechanical trigger mechanism 32 that couples to a physical trigger 33 as is understood in the art. In various embodiments, a pistol grip 26 and fore stock grip 28 may be mounted to the barrel 18 by conventional means known in the art, such as screws, bolts, or other suitable fasteners. The pistol grip 26 and fore stock grip 28 may also be incorporated into the stock 20 as a one-piece construction that is suitably fastened to the barrel 18. The barrel 18 is described more fully below with reference to FIGS. 3A-5.

Barrel

Referring to FIGS. 3A-5, the barrel 18 is shown according to particular embodiments.

In particular reference to FIG. 4, the barrel 18 is shown having the first end 34, the opposite second end 36, an intermediate portion 38, the elongated circular bore 22 and the rectangular bore 24 extending between the first and second ends 34, 36. The elongated circular bore 22 extends parallel to the central axis 23 of the barrel 18 from the barrel first end 34 to the barrel second end 36. The rectangular bore 24 is concentric to the circular bore 22, is parallel to a bottom surface 35 of the barrel 18 and extends between the first and second ends 34, 36. The cavity 31 opens into a bowstring slot 40 that is formed through a sidewall 42 of the barrel 18 transverse to the elongated circular bore 22 and the rectangular bore 24, and extends intermediate the barrel first and second ends 34, 36 proximate the barrel intermediate portion 38 t. In various embodiments, the barrel 18 may be made from milled aluminum or extruded aluminum. In various other embodiments the barrel may be made from any suitable durable, flexible, material known in the art (e.g., plastics, polymers, lightweight alloys, metals, etc.).

Referring once again to FIG. 1, in various embodiments, the barrel first end 34 couples to the bow assembly 30 via conventional means such as screws, nuts, bolts, fasteners, press-fitting with/or without adhesive, etc. In various other embodiments, the barrel 18 may be fitted with a cap 37 that surrounds the outer walls of the barrel 18 and that defines a cavity with a mirror image cross-section to the barrel and that further defines an opening through a face 37 a perpendicular to the flight path of an arrow exiting the elongated circular bore 22 that mirrors the circular bore 22 and the rectangular bore 24. The bow assembly 30, in various embodiments, may be coupled to the barrel cap 37 by any conventional means (e.g., screws, bolts, fasteners, etc.). The bow assembly 30 is described more fully below.

Referring again to FIGS. 3A-3B, the elongated circular bore 22 has a generally circular cross-section that extends the length of the barrel 18. The generally rectangular bore 24 is various embodiments is rectangular and positioned concentric with the elongated bore 22. Thus, an arrow that is placed into the generally circular bore 22 is generally supported by the intersection of the edges, as labeled 45, and by partial walls, as labeled 45 b, of the generally circular bore 22 instead of the uniform smooth surface that would define the wall of the elongated circular bore 22 of the barrel 18 if the generally rectangular bore 24 were not present. In various embodiments, the generally rectangular bore 24 may be eliminated or replaced with other bores or slots that intersect with the generally circular bore 22.

Referring in particular to FIG. 3B, in particular embodiments, a first slot 44 and a second slot 46 extend radially outward from the generally circular cross-section of the elongated bore 22 at an angle with respect to the generally rectangular bore 24. The first and second slots 44, 46 are generally rectangular in shape. The first slot 44 extends radially outward from the central axis 23 of the generally circular bore 22 at an angle α of approximately 60 degrees from the left horizontal plane 47. The second slot 46 extends radially outward from the central axis 23 of the generally circular bore 22 at an angle β of approximately −60 degrees the left horizontal plane 47. The first and second slots 44, 46 are configured to receive the fletching on one end of an arrow and allow the arrow fletching to pass through the barrel 18 without contacting the walls of the circular bore 22.

In yet other particular embodiments, the first slot 44 and second slot 46 are further adapted to accommodate various fletching sizes and configurations. For example, the height of the first and second slots 44, 46, as measured from the central axis 22 of the generally circular bore 22 to the outer end of the slots 44, 46, i.e. the radius, and a width of the first and second slots may vary depending on the application. For example, based on the type, height, and orientation of the arrow fletching, the first and second slots 44, 46 may be larger or smaller to accommodate varying fletching sizes. The first and second slots 44, 46 may be configured, for example, to allow a helical fletching to pass through the first and second slots 44, 46 without obstructing the flight of the arrow or damaging the fletching while traveling within the barrel 18.

Bow Assembly

Referring to again to FIG. 1, the bow assembly 30 is configured to propel an arrow or a sabot slug from the crossbow. The bow assembly 30 has two flexible limbs 48, 48′ and a bowstring 51. The two flexible limbs 48, 48′ may receive the bowstring 51 in any conventional manner. In a particular embodiment the bowstring 51 may be received by a pair of cams 52, 52′ mounted to the flexible limbs 48, 48′. The first and second limbs 48, 48′ provide the desired resistance to bending and may be made separately (e.g., a split-limb design) or of a one-piece construction. The first limb and second limb 48, 48′ have pins 54, 54′, located at one end of the limb arms 48, 48′, to pivotally mount the respective ones of the pair of cams 52, 52′ to the respective limbs 48, 48′. The flexibility and resistance of the limbs 48, 48′ determines the draw weight of the bow and the force with which the arrow is discharged from the crossbow. The limbs may be coupled to the barrel cap 37 at an end of the limbs opposite the cams 52, 52′ via securing means 56, 56′. The securing means 56, 56′ may be any suitable securing means (e.g., screws, bolts, pins, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1 the first cam 52 is mounted to the distal end of the first bow limb 48 via the mounting pin 54, and the second cam 52′ is mounted to the distal end of the second bow limb 48′ via the mounting pin 54′. The first and second cams 52, 52′ are mounted on the mounting pins 54, 54′ for rotation about the mounting pins 54, 54′ and are further configured to receive the bowstring 51. The bowstring 51 winds around the cams 52, 52′ and passes perpendicular to and within the interior of the elongated through hole of the bowstring slot 40. In addition, the bowstring 51 passes through the elongated bore 22 and the rectangular bore 24. In the non-cocked position, the portion of the bowstring 51 that passes within the interior of the barrel 18 is located proximate the barrel first end 34, and as the bowstring 51 is cocked, the bowstring 51 moves toward the barrel second end 36, to the portion of the transverse slot 40 adjacent the trigger cavity 31. The bowstring 51 may be manufactured from any suitable material, i.e., fibers, liquid crystal polymers, or ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. Common bowstring materials include Dacron, Kevlar, Vectran, Spectra, and Dyneema.

Stock

Referring specifically to FIG. 2, the stock 20 couples to the barrel second end 36 and terminates at a butt 58. In various embodiments, the stock 20 may be further coupled to the pistol grip 26, fore stock grip 28, or a trigger guard 35. In various embodiments, the stock 20 is an independent piece that the pistol grip 26, fore stock grip 28, and trigger guard 35 are attached to, or these various parts may be part of a one-piece construction. The pistol grip 26 and fore stock grip 28 may be attached to the stock by conventional means such that they are replaceable and substitutable with similar after-market components. In various embodiments, the stock 20 may be adjustable, but in various other embodiments the stock 20 may have a fixed length. In particular embodiments, the stock 20 may be collapsible, foldable, hinged, or fixed.

In the embodiment shown, the pistol grip 26 is coupled to the stock 20 intermediate the barrel first end 34 and the barrel second end 36. The trigger guard 35 may be coupled at a first end 35 a to the pistol grip 26 and at a second end 35 b to the stock 20. In a particular embodiment, the fore stock grip 28 may be coupled to the barrel 18 proximate the barrel first end 34. The fore stock grip 28 is utilized as known in the art to stabilize the bow from large changes in inertia produced by firing. In various other embodiments, the fore stock grip 28 may function as a quiver.

Improved Arrow

Referring to FIG. 5, an archery arrow 50, in various embodiments, may have (1) an elongated shaft 53 having a first end 53 a, an opposite second end 53 b, and a first diameter D1. The arrow has a tip 55 formed the first end 53 a and one or more fletching 57 coupled to the elongated shaft 53 proximate the second end 53 b. In various embodiments, the tip 55 may be any suitable shape such as a bodkin point, blunt shape, judo point, broadhead, field tips, or target point. The tip 55 may be manufactured from any suitable material such as metal or metal alloys or in other embodiments the tip may be formed from the same material as the shaft. In particular embodiments, the shaft second end 53 b is configured to couple to the bowstring 51.

In certain embodiments, the shaft second end 53 b may couple to the bowstring 51 by a notch 61 formed in an end of the arrow shaft. In various embodiments, the notch 61 may be a “U” or “V” shaped notch, within which the bowstring 51 may be positioned. In particular embodiments, the arrow fletching 57 may positioned intermediate the shaft first end 53 a and the shaft second end 53 b, more proximate the shaft second end 53 b than the shaft first end 53 a. The fletching 57, in various embodiments, may be plastic, feather, and/or a plastic polymer. The fletching 57 may further be “high-profile”, standard, or parabolic in shape, and in particular embodiments may vary in length and height, (e.g., between 0.5-5 inches). The fletching 57 may be further configured with a variety of turns (e.g., straight fletch, offset fletch, or helical fletch).

In various embodiments, a first shaft portion (e.g., a first ring) 59 a is coupled to the shaft 53 proximate the shaft first end 53 a, and the first ring 59 a has a second diameter D2 and first length. In particular embodiments, a second shaft portion (e.g., a second ring) 59 b is coupled to the shaft 53 proximate the shaft second end 53 b, and the second ring 59 b has a third diameter D3 and a second length. In various embodiments, the first and second rings 59 a, 59 b are located on the arrow shaft 53 intermediate the shaft first and second ends 53 a, 53 b, respectively. Particularly, the first ring 59 a is positioned on the shaft 53 intermediate the shaft first and second ends 53 a, 53 b and located proximate the shaft first end 53 a. The second ring 59 b is positioned on the shaft 53 intermediate the shaft first and second ends 53 a, 53 b and located proximate the shaft second end 53 b.

In particular embodiments, the first ring 59 a and the second ring 59 b may be coupled to the elongated shaft 53 in various means as may be understood in the art. For example, in various embodiments, the first ring 59 a and the second ring 59 b may be secured to the elongated shaft 53 by a securing means, such as a press-fit, an adhesive, a pin, a rivet, a screw, or friction stir welding. In various other embodiments, the first ring 59 a and second ring 59 b may be integrally formed with the elongated shaft 53. In yet other embodiments, the first ring 59 a and second ring 59 b may be formed from any suitable material such as, for example: metal, ceramics, polymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, a metal alloy, a ceramic alloy, nylon, or acetyl resins. The arrow shaft 53 may be manufactured from any suitable material, for example, carbon fiber, reinforced plastics, polymers, wood, aluminum, or a combination of materials.

In various embodiments, the second diameter D2 of the first ring 59 a and the third diameter D3 of the second ring 59 b are greater than the first diameter D1 of the arrow shaft 53.

In particular embodiments, the diameter D2 and D3 of the first and second rings 59 a, 59 b, respectively, is 4-15 mm. In other embodiments, the first ring diameter D2 and the second ring diameter D3 are larger than the diameter D1 of the shaft 53. In various embodiments, the second diameter D2 and the third diameter D3 are equal.

In particular embodiments, the length of the first ring 59 a and the length of the second ring 59 b are between approximately 2 mm and 70 mm. In various other embodiments, the length of the first ring 59 a and the length of the second ring 59 b are between approximately 10 mm and 30 mm. In yet other embodiments, the length of the first and second rings 59 a, 59 b is approximately 20 mm. The first and the second rings 59 a, 59 b also have an inner diameter that is substantially the same diameter as the arrow shaft 53 and an outer diameter that is substantially the same size as the diameter of the circular cross-section of the elongated bore 22. The first and second rings 59 a, 59 b function to minimize the contact between the elongated arrow shaft 53 and the inner surface of the barrel 18 (e.g., edges 45 a and surfaces 45 b), thereby reducing friction. Minimizing friction aids in optimizing the kinetic energy and muzzle velocity of the arrow upon launch and reduces the noise generated by the contact of the arrow 50 with the barrel 18. That is, referring to FIG. 7A, when the arrow 50 is loaded in the crossbow 10 the first ring 59 a and the second ring 59 b raise the elongated shaft 53 off of the inner surface of the crossbow barrel 18 to minimize the surface area of the shaft 53 contacting the crossbow barrel 18, thereby reducing the amount of friction between the elongated shaft 53 and the crossbow barrel 18 when the arrow 50 is fired.

Trigger Mechanism

Referring briefly to FIGS. 7A-7D, a trigger mechanism 32, in various embodiments, is received in the cavity 31 located proximate to the barrel second end 34. The trigger mechanism 32 includes a connecting rod 74 that couples the trigger mechanism with the trigger 33. The trigger 33, in various embodiments, may be a hair trigger, release trigger, single set trigger, double set trigger, etc. The trigger 33 and trigger mechanism 32 function as known in the art, to actuate the firing motion of the crossbow. In particular embodiments, depressing the trigger 33 actuates the connecting rod 74, which in turn actuates the trigger mechanism 32. When the crossbow 10 is cocked, the actuation of the trigger 33 will cause the bowstring 51 to be released from the trigger mechanism 32 to initiate firing of the arrow 50. If a safety mechanism is engaged, the bowstring will not be released as the trigger mechanism 32 will be inhibited from actuating.

Barrel Alternate Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of a crossbow 60 is illustrated that is similar to the crossbow 10 of FIGS. 1-5. For purposes of ease of understanding and clarity, only certain parts will be discussed to highlight the differences in the structure and operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 as compared to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-5. The crossbow 60 includes a barrel 62 similar to the barrel 18 shown in FIGS. 1-5. In FIG. 6, the barrel 62 defines an elongated hole 64 that extends between the barrel first end 66 and barrel second end (not shown). The cavity 64 comprises a generally circular elongated bore (e.g., a hole) 65 (represented by the dotted line) centered about a central axis 67 that extends the length of the barrel 62, a first generally rectangular hole 68 that is concentric with the elongated bore 65, and a second generally rectangular hole 70 that intersects the first generally rectangular hole 68 and that is also concentric with the elongated bore 65 and the first generally rectangular hole 68. The walls of the first generally rectangular hole 68 are substantially formed at a right angle with respect to the walls of the second generally rectangular hole 70. The first and second rectangular holes 68, 70 may be configured to receive a fletching of an arrow, parts of a sabot slug or alternatively not be utilized at all when a sabot slug is fired from the crossbow. The generally rectangular holes 68, 70 form a generally cross-shaped cross-section.

Operation of the Bow

Referring again to FIGS. 7A-7D, a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the crossbow 10 as it transitions from a loaded and cocked state to the fired state is shown. With specific reference to FIG. 7A, the elongated arrow 50 is received fully in the circular bore 22. In the cocked or loaded position, the bowstring 51 (not shown) is received proximate the stock 20 end of the crossbow 10, passing through the elongated bowstring slot 40 (FIG. 4). The bowstring 51 is held in place by components of the trigger mechanism 32, such as for example, those known in the art.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 7B and 7C, the flight of the arrow 50 is shown shortly after the trigger 33 is depressed. Upon depression of the trigger 33, the trigger mechanism 32 releases the bowstring 51 from the trigger components allowing the bowstring 51 to move through the bowstring slot 40. The bowstring 51 pushes the arrow 50 from the barrel second end 36 toward the barrel first end 34 as the bowstring passes through the bowstring slot 40. As the arrow 50 progresses down the length of the barrel 18, the inner barrel walls 45 a, 45 b (FIG. 3B) engage the rings 59 a, 59 b on the arrow shaft 53. As the arrow first end 53 a leaves the barrel 18, the first ring 59 a exits the barrel (FIGS. 7B and 7C) and the arrow second end 53 b, and specifically the second ring 59 b, maintains contact with the inner walls of the barrel 18 to guide the arrow shaft 53 down the length of the barrel 18. Thus, the second ring 59 b maintains the arrow 50 on its trajectory until the second ring 59 b and fletching 57 exits the barrel 18 (FIG. 7D). This configuration is maintained to improve the stability of the arrow 50 as it is being launched down the length of the barrel 18 by the bowstring 51 thereby reducing flexing of the arrow in either the vertical or horizontal plane.

Referring to FIG. 8, an arrow 82 is shown shortly after ejection from the barrel first end 34. As illustrated by the figures and discussed herein, the rectangular bore 24 is configured to receive fletching 84 of the arrow 82 opposite the arrow tip 86. The second and third fletching 83, 85 are received in the first and second slots 44, 46.

Referring to FIG. 9, a sabot slug 92 is shown shortly after ejection from the crossbow barrel first end 34. Similar to the arrow 82 of FIG. 8, a first end 94 of the sabot slug 92 is configured to couple to the bowstring 51 and a first pin 96 is received in one end of the rectangular bore 24 and a second pin 98 is received in an opposite end of the rectangular bore 24. In various embodiments, the first end 94 is a nocked end. The sabot may be a cup sabot, expanding cup sabot, base sabot, spindle sabot, ring sabot, or other sabot structure. The sabot may be, for example, cylindrical in shape, cylindrical with pins 96 and 98 respectively formed at 0 and 180 degrees to be utilized within the rectangular bore 24, or cylindrical in shape with fletching or other rear fins configured to be received in the rectangular bore 24 and one or both of the first and second slots 44, 46. In various embodiments, when the sabot exits the barrel first end 34, sabot walls may open allowing buckshot contained within the sabot body to exit the second end 95 of the sabot slug 92.

Bowstring and Cable Alternate Embodiment

Referring generally to prior art FIGS. 10A and 10B, a crossbow 111 having a body 150, a first limb 152 with a first cam 154, and a second limb 156 with a second cam 158 is illustrated. The first limb 152 has a first and a second mounting pin 160, 162 for coupling the first cam 154 to the first limb 152. The second limb 156 has a third and a fourth mounting pin 164, 166 for coupling the second cam 158 to the second limb 156.

A first cable 168 has a first section 168 a coupled to the first mounting pin 160, a second section 168 b coupled to the second mounting pin 168, and a third section 168 c that wraps around the second cam 158 and anchors to the second cam 158. The first cable first and second sections 168 a, 168 b combine at a point 168 d intermediate the body 150 and the first cam 154 to create the first cable third section 168 c. The first cable third section 168 c extends from the point 168 d, traverses through a lower mounting bracket 170 (FIG. 10B) coupled to a bottom surface of the body 150 a, and then anchors to the second cam 158.

Referring to FIG. 10A, a second cable 172 has a first section 172 a coupled to the third mounting pin 164 (as shown in FIG. 10A), a second section 172 b coupled to the fourth mounting pin 166 (as shown in FIG. 10B), and a third section 172 c that wraps around the first cam 154 and anchors to the first cam 154 (as shown in FIG. 10A). The second cable first and second sections 172 a, 172 b combine at a point 172 d intermediate the body 150 and the second cam 158 to create the second cable third section 172 c. The second cable third section 172 c extends from the point 172 d, traverses through the lower mounting bracket 170 (FIG. 10B) coupled to the bottom surface of the body 150 a, and then anchors to the first cam 154.

A bowstring 174 is also anchored to the first and second cams 154, 158. When the bowstring 174 is pulled toward a second end of the body 150 b in order to cock the crossbow 111, the second cam 158 rotates counterclockwise (with reference to FIG. 10A) and the first cam 154 rotates clockwise (with reference to FIG. 10A), pulling the first limb and second limbs 152, 156, respectively, towards the body 150. When the first cam 154 rotates clockwise, the second cable third section 172 c, which is wrapped clockwise around the first cam 154 and anchored to the first cam 154, rotates further clockwise around the first cam 154, which creates torque on the first limb 152 to pull the first limb 152 in towards the body 150. Similarly, when the second cam 158 rotates counterclockwise, the first cable third section 168 c, which is wrapped counterclockwise around the second cam 158 and anchored to the second cam 158, rotates further counterclockwise around the second cam 158, which creates torque on the second limb 156 to pull the second limb 156 in towards the body 150. Because the first cable 168 and the second cable 172 only traverse down under the barrel and through the lower mounting bracket 170, there is a downward pull on the limbs 152, 156 thereby placing downward force on the limbs as they are being pulled rearward toward.

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate an alternative embodiment of a crossbow 100 that is similar to the crossbow 10 of FIGS. 1-5, but that seeks to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art crossbow design shown in FIGS. 10A-10B. For purposes of ease of understanding and clarity, only certain parts will be discussed to highlight the differences in the structure and operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A-11B as compared to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-5.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the crossbow 100 includes a barrel 102, a stock 120, and a bow assembly 130. The barrel 102 defines a cavity 104 that extends between a first end and a second end of the barrel 102 a, 102 b. The bow assembly 130 is coupled to the barrel first end 102 a via conventional means (e.g., screws, nuts, bolts, fasteners, form fitting with adhesive, etc.). In various embodiments, the barrel first end 102 a is fitted with a cap 106 that surrounds the outer walls of the barrel 102. The bow assembly 130, according to various embodiments, may be coupled to the barrel cap 106 with any suitable connection means (e.g., screws, bolts, fasteners, etc.).

Flexible Limbs

The bow assembly 130 has a first and a second flexible limb 108, 110 coupled to the barrel cap 106 that extend outwardly from the barrel cap 106. The first and second flexible limbs 108, 110 are mirror images of each other. The first flexible limb 108 has a first and a second end 108 a, 108 b. In addition, the second flexible limb 110 has a first and a second end 110 a, 110 b.

The first flexible limb 108 has a first upper limb portion 112 and a first lower limb portion 114. A first cam 116 is located intermediate the first upper limb portion 112 and the first lower limb portion 114 of the first limb second end 108 a. The first cam 116 is coupled to the first upper limb portion 112 by a first mounting pin 118 and coupled to the first lower limb portion 114 by a second mounting pin 122. The first cam 116 is mounted for rotation about the mounting pins 116, 118. In addition, the first cam 116 is configured to rotatably receive a bowstring 140, which will be discussed in more detail below.

Similar to the first flexible limb 108, the second flexible limb 110 has a second upper limb portion 124 and a second lower limb portion 126. A second cam 128 is located intermediate the second upper limb portion 124 and the second lower limb portion 126 at the second limb second end 110 b. The second cam 128 is coupled to the second upper limb portion 124 by a third mounting pin 132 and coupled to the second lower limb portion 126 by a fourth mounting pin 134. The second cam 128 is mounted for rotation about the mounting pins 132, 134. The first cam 128 is configured to rotatably receive the bowstring 140, as discussed below. The first, second, third, and fourth mounting pins 118, 122, 132, 134 may be any suitable connection means (e.g., screws, bolts, fasteners, etc.).

First Cable

Referring to FIG. 11A, a first cable 136 has a first section 136 a, a second section 136 b, and a third section 136 c. The first cable first section and second sections 136 a, 136 b combine at a point 136 d intermediate the barrel 102 and the second cam 128 to create the third section 136 c. In various embodiments, the first cable first and second sections 136 a, 136 b are wrapped together to create the first cable third section 136 c. In particular embodiments, the first cable first, second, and third sections 136 a, 136 b, 136 c are integrally formed with each other.

The first cable first section 136 a is coupled to the first mounting pin 118. The first cable first section 136 a extends from the first mounting pin 118 and traverses through an upper mounting bracket 138 coupled to a top surface of the barrel 102 c. The upper mounting bracket 138 may be secured to the barrel top surface 102 c by any suitable securing means (e.g., a press-fit, an adhesive, a pin, a rivet, a screw, or friction stir welding). In various embodiments, the upper mounting bracket 138 may be integrally formed with the barrel 102. In particular embodiments, the upper mounting bracket 138 may be formed from any suitable material (e.g., metal, ceramics, polymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, a metal alloy, a ceramic alloy, nylon, or acetyl resins). Referring to FIG. 11B, the first cable second section 136 b is coupled to the second mounting pin 122. The first cable second section 136 b extends from the second mounting pin 122 and traverses through a lower mounting bracket 142 coupled to a bottom surface of the barrel 102 d. Similar to the upper mounting bracket 138, the lower mounting bracket 142 may be secured to the barrel bottom surface by any suitable securing means (e.g., a press-fit, an adhesive, a pin, a rivet, a screw, or friction stir welding).

Referring generally to FIGS. 11A-11B, when the first cable first section 136 a traverses the upper mounting bracket and the first cable second section 136 b traverses the lower mounting bracket 142, the first cable first and second sections 136 a, 136 b combine at the point 136 d intermediate the barrel 102 and the second cam 128 to form the first cable third section 136 c. The first cable third section 136 c extends from the point 136 d, wraps counterclockwise (with respect to FIG. 11A) around the second cam 128, and anchors to substantially the middle of the second cam 128. In various embodiments, the second cam 128 has a first cam portion and a second cam portion (not shown). In particular embodiments, the first cable third section 136 c anchors to the second portion of the second cam (not shown) and the bowstring 140 anchors to the first portion of the second cam (not shown).

Second Cable

Referring again to FIG. 11A, a second cable 144 substantially mirrors the first cable 136. For purposes of ease of understanding and clarity, only certain parts will be discussed to highlight the differences in the structure of the second cable 144 as compared to the first cable 136. The second cable 144 has a first section 144 a, a second section 144 b, and a third section 144 c. The second cable first section and second sections 144 a, 144 b combine at a point 144 d intermediate the barrel 102 and the first cam 116 to create the third section 144 c. In various embodiments, the second cable first and second sections 144 a, 144 b are wrapped together to create the second cable third section 144 c. In particular embodiments, the second cable first, second, and third sections 144 a, 144 b, 144 c are integrally formed with each other. The second cable first section 144 a is coupled to the third mounting pin 132. The second cable first section 144 a extends from the third mounting pin 132 and traverses through the upper mounting bracket 138 coupled to the top surface of the barrel 102 c. Referring again to FIG. 11B, the second cable second section 144 b is coupled to the fourth mounting pin 134. The second cable second section 144 b extends from the fourth mounting pin 134 and traverses through the lower mounting bracket 142 coupled to the bottom surface of the barrel 102 d.

Referring generally to FIGS. 11A-11B, when the second cable first section 144 a traverses the upper mounting bracket and the second cable second section 144 b traverses the lower mounting bracket 142, the second cable first and second sections 144 a, 144 b combine at the point 144 d intermediate the barrel 102 and the first cam 116 to form the second cable third section 144 c. The second cable third section 144 c extends from the point 144 d, wraps clockwise (with reference to FIG. 11a ) around the first cam 116, and anchors substantially to the middle of the first cam 116. In various embodiments, the first cam 116 has a first cam portion and a second cam portion (not shown). In particular embodiments, the second cable third section 144 c anchors to the second portion of the second cam (not shown) and the bowstring 140 anchors to the first portion of the second cam (not shown).

Operation of the Crossbow

Still referring to FIG. 11A, when the bowstring 140 is pulled toward the second end of the barrel 102 b in order to cock the crossbow 100, the second cam 128 rotates counterclockwise and the first cam 116 rotates clockwise, pulling the first limb and second limbs 108, 110, respectively, in towards the barrel 102. When the first cam 116 rotates clockwise, the second cable third section 144 c, which is wrapped clockwise around the first cam 116 and anchored to the first cam 116, rotates further clockwise around the first cam 116, which creates torque on the first limb 108 to pull the first limb 108 in towards the barrel 102. Similarly, when the second cam 128 rotates counterclockwise, the first cable third section 136 c, which is wrapped counterclockwise around the second cam 128 and anchored to the second cam 128, rotates further counterclockwise around the second cam 128, which creates torque on the second limb 110 to pull the second limb 110 in towards the barrel 102. Because the first cable first and second portions 136 a, 136 b and the second cable first and second portions 144 a, 144 b traverse through both the upper mounting bracket 138 and the lower mounting bracket 142, respectively, the downward torque exerted on the limbs 108, 110 as described with respect to the crossbow in prior art FIGS. 10A-10B is effectively neutralized, eliminating any downward forces on the limbs 108, 110. Thus, the presence of the barrel allows the various portions of the first and second cables to be routed both above and below the barrel without interfering with the path of the arrow or the sabot slug.

CONCLUSION

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. For example, as will be understood by one skilled in the relevant field in light of this disclosure, the invention may take form in a variety of different mechanical and operational configurations. For example, elements shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 may be combined with various elements of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11A-11B to form additional embodiments of an improved crossbow and arrow. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and that the modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended exemplary concepts. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation. 

1. A crossbow comprising: a. a body comprising: i. a first end; ii. an opposite second end, iii. a top surface, iv. a bottom surface, and v. an axis that extends between the first end and the second end, b. a first limb having a first end operatively coupled to the body and a second end; c. a second limb having a first end operatively coupled to the body and a second end; d. a first cable comprising: i. a first end operatively coupled to the first limb second end; and ii. a second end that splits into: a first portion having a second end that is operatively coupled to the second limb second end; and a second portion having a second end that is operatively coupled to the second limb second end; e. a second cable comprising: i. a first end operatively coupled to the second limb second end; and ii. a second end that splits into: a first portion having a second end that is operatively coupled to the first limb second end; and a second portion having a second end that is operatively coupled to the first limb second end; f. a bow string that comprises a first end that is operatively coupled to the first limb and a second end that is operatively coupled to the second limb, wherein the first cable, first portion is positioned above the body top surface, the first cable, second portion is positioned below the body bottom surface, the second cable, first portion is positioned above the body top surface, and the second cable, second portion is positioned below the body bottom surface.
 2. The crossbow of claim 1, wherein the first cable further comprises: a. a first section intermediate the first cable, first end and the first cable, first portion and first cable, second portion, wherein the first section comprises the first cable, first end and a second end; b. a second section intermediate the first cable, first section and the first cable, first portion, second end, wherein the first section comprises a first end and the first cable, first portion, second end; and c. a third section intermediate the first cable, first portion and the first cable, second portion, second end, wherein the third section comprises a first end and the first cable, second portion, second end.
 3. The crossbow claim 2, wherein: a. the first cable, first section, second end is coupled to the first cable, second section, first end; and b. the first cable, first section, second end is coupled to the first cable, third section, first end.
 4. The crossbow of claim 2, wherein the first cable, first section is formed integral with the first cable, second section and the first cable, third section.
 5. The crossbow of claim 2, wherein the body further comprises a barrel having a through-hole formed along the axis of the body, wherein: a. the first cable, second section is positioned above a top surface of the barrel; b. the first cable, third section is positioned below a bottom surface of the barrel; and c. the first cable, first section, second end, the first cable, second section first end and the first cable, third section first end are all positioned intermediate the first limb first and second ends.
 6. The crossbow of claim 5, wherein a. the barrel comprises an elongated slot formed along a plane that intersects the axis; b. the bowstring passes through the slot.
 7. The crossbow of claim 1, further comprising: a. a first cam operatively coupled to the first limb second end; b. a second cam operatively coupled the second limb second end; c. at least one pin coupled to the first limb second end; and d. at least one pin coupled to the second limb second end, wherein: i. the first cable first end is operatively coupled to the first cam, ii. the first cable first portion second end is operatively coupled to the second limb at least one pin, and iii. the first cable second portion second end is operatively coupled to the second limb at least one pin.
 8. The crossbow of claim 5, further comprising a first bracket coupled to the top surface of the barrel and a second bracket coupled to one of the bottom surface of the barrel or the bottom surface of the body, wherein: a. the first cable second section is supported by the first bracket; and b. the first cable third section is supported by the second bracket.
 9. A crossbow comprising: a. a body comprising: i. a first end; ii. an opposite second end, iii. a top surface, iv. a bottom surface, and v. an axis that extends between the first end and the second end, b. a first limb having a first end operatively coupled to the body and a second end; c. a second limb having a first end operatively coupled to the body and a second end; d. a first cable comprising: i. a first cable portion having a first end and a second end; and ii. a second cable portion having a first end and a second end: e. a second cable comprising: i. a third cable portion having a first end and a second end; and ii. a forth cable portion having a first end and a second end, and f. a bow string that comprises a first end that is operatively coupled to the first limb and a second end that is operatively coupled to the second limb, wherein a first section of the first cable portion proximate the first end and a first section of the second cable portion proximate the first end are secured together to form a first section of the first cable, a first section of the third cable portion proximate the first end and a first section of the fourth cable portion proximate the first end are secured together to form a first section of the second cable, the first end of the first cable portion and the first end of the second cable portion are operatively coupled to the first limb second end, the second end of the first cable portion and the second end of the second cable portion are operatively coupled to the second limb second end, the first end of the third cable portion and the first end of the fourth cable portion are operatively coupled to the second limb second end, the second end of the third cable portion and the second end of the fourth cable portion are operatively coupled to the first limb second end, the first cable first section is positioned intermediate the first limb second end and the body such that the first cable portion is positioned above the body top surface and the second cable portion is positioned below the body bottom surface, the second cable first section is positioned intermediate the second limb second end and the body such that the third cable portion is positioned above the body top surface and the fourth cable portion is positioned below the body bottom surface.
 10. The crossbow of claim 9, wherein the first cable portion and the second cable portion proximate the first ends are secured together by a first covering selected from a group consisting of: a. a polymer sheathing; b. a rubber sheathing; c. a wire wrapping; d. a cloth wrapping; and e. one or more rings.
 11. The crossbow of claim 9, further comprising: a. a first bracket operatively coupled to the body; and b. a second bracket operatively coupled to the body, wherein: one of the first bracket and the second bracket support the first cable portion and the third cable portion; and the other of the first bracket and the second bracket support the second cable portion and the fourth cable portion.
 12. The crossbow of claim 11, wherein: a. the body further comprises a barrel; b. at least one of the first bracket and the second bracket are coupled to the barrel.
 13. The crossbow of claim 9, further comprising: a. a first cam operatively coupled to the first limb second end; b. a second cam operatively coupled to the second limb second end; c. one or more pins operatively coupled to the first limb second end, and d. one or more pins operatively coupled to the second limb second end, wherein: the first end of the first cable portion and the first end of the second cable portion are operatively coupled to the first cam, the second end of the first cable portion and the second end of the second cable portion are operatively coupled to the one or more pins operatively coupled to the second limb second end, the first end of the third cable portion and the first end of the fourth cable portion are operatively coupled to the second cam, and the second end of the third cable portion and the second end of the fourth cable portion are operatively coupled to the one or more pins operatively coupled to the first limb second end.
 14. The crossbow of claim 13, wherein the first cam is rotatably mounted on the one or more pins operatively coupled to the first limb second end and the second cam is rotatably mounted on the one or more pins operatively coupled to the second limb second end.
 15. The crossbow of claim 9, further comprising: a. a first cam rotatably coupled to the first limb second end by a first pin; b. a second cam rotatably coupled to the second limb second end by a second pin; wherein: i. the first end of the first cable portion and the first end of the second cable portion are operatively coupled to the first cam, ii. the first end of the third cable portion and the first end of the fourth cable portion are operatively coupled to the second cam, and iii. the arrangement of the first cable and the second cable minimize any forces exerted: on the first cam and in a direction parallel to the first pin; and on the second cam and in a direction parallel to the second pin.
 16. A crossbow comprising: a. a body comprising: i. a first end; ii. an opposite second end, iii. a top surface, iv. a bottom surface, and v. an axis that extends between the first end and the second end, b. a first limb having a first end operatively coupled to the body and a second end; c. a second limb having a first end operatively coupled to the body and a second end; d. a first cable comprising: i. a first section having a first end and a second end; ii. a second section having a first end and a second end; and iii. a third section having a first end and a second end: e. a bow string that comprises a first end that is operatively coupled to the first limb and a second end that is operatively coupled to the second limb, wherein the first section first end is operatively coupled to the first limb second end, the first section second end is operatively coupled to both the second section first end and the third section first end, the second section second end is operatively coupled to the second limb second end, the third section second end is operatively coupled to the second limb second end, the second section is positioned above the body top surface, and the third section is positioned below the body bottom surface.
 17. The crossbow of claim 16, further comprising a second cable comprising: a. a fourth section having a first end and a second end; b. a fifth section having a first end and a second end; and c. and a sixth section having a first end and a second end; wherein: the fourth section first end is operatively coupled to the second limb second end, the fourth section second end is operatively coupled to both the fifth section first end and the six section first end, the fifth section second end is operatively coupled to the first limb second end, the sixth section second end is operatively coupled to the first limb second end, the fourth section is positioned above the body top surface, and the fifth section is positioned below the body bottom surface.
 18. The crossbow of claim 16, wherein the body comprises a barrel.
 19. The crossbow of claim 16, wherein the first section, the second section and the third section of the first cable are integrally formed with one another.
 20. The crossbow of claim 16, further comprising: a. a first bracket operatively coupled to the body, wherein the second section is supported by the first bracket; and b. a second bracket operatively coupled to the body, wherein the third section is supported by the second bracket. 